Falling
'fɔːlɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of moving downwards, typically under the force of gravity, or a decline in position, status, or value.
'fɔːlɪŋ
Experiencing a downward movement
The rain is falling heavily.
💡 Simply: Think of when something goes from up to down, like when you drop your ice cream cone. That's falling. Or when the price of something goes down.
👶 For kids: Going down!
More Examples
The temperature is falling tonight.
He is falling behind in his work.
How It's Used
"The apple is falling due to gravity."
"The leaves are falling from the trees."
Developing romantic feelings for someone.
'fɔːlɪŋ
Becoming romantically involved with someone
He's falling in love with her.
💡 Simply: It's like when you start to really, really like someone, maybe even start to have a crush. That's falling for someone.
👶 For kids: Liking someone a lot!
More Examples
I am falling for his charm.
She's falling head over heels.
How It's Used
"She is falling for him quickly."
Idioms & expressions
falling apart
To be in a state of disrepair, failure, or collapse.
"His life is falling apart after the divorce."
falling behind
To make less progress than planned or expected; to lag.
"I'm falling behind on my coursework."
falling out
To have an argument and stop being friends with someone.
"They fell out after a disagreement."
From Old English *feallan*, from Proto-Germanic *fallaną*. The present participle form shows the ongoing action.
The word 'falling' has been used in literature and everyday speech since the Old English period.
Memory tip
Imagine a leaf dropping from a tree – that's falling!
Word Origin
"*fallaną - to fall, to stumble"